Ultrasound

Penrose Hospital Imaging Services is ACR accredited in general, obstetrical, gynecological and vascular ultrasound. We have a dynamic group of sonographers, all of who are registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. This means that all of our technologists have received top notch education and are board certified in multiple specialties. Our thorough exams meet the high standards of the American College of Radiology.

What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of internal organs or blood vessels. An ultrasound works by placing a gel on the body and then moving an instrument called a transducer over the area to be examined. The transducer emits sound waves that reflect off of body parts at differing rates, producing images of the internal structures of the body.

This exam is generally performed on the arteries in the legs or arms.
It is used to assess the speed, direction, and pattern of flow in the
arteries. Any areas of plaque, stenosis, or aneurysm will also be
documented.

This exam is used to assess the carotid arteries in the neck, which help
supply blood flow to the brain. It is used to assess the speed,
direction, and pattern of flow in the arteries. Any areas of plaque,
stenosis, or aneurysm will also be documented. This exam can be ordered
when a patient is experiencing stroke like symptoms, dizziness,
headache, or before certain surgeries as a pre-op workup.

Ultrasound guidance is used by a radiologist to place a needle into an
area of the liver where a small sample is taken by a biopsy device.
Patients will start in our Radiology Care Unit as well as recover there
after the procedure, under the care of our Radiology Care Nursing Staff.

Patient Prep: No blood thinners or aspirin for 5 days; nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Approximate length of exam: 1 hour of pre-bx workup by nursing staff; followed by 30 minutes for the
actual biopsy; then 30 minutes to 1 hour of observation/ recovery time
with nursing staff.

This procedure is done to drain fluid from the peritoneal cavity of the
abdomen. Ultrasound guidance is used by the radiologist to place a
catheter into a safe pocket of fluid. This is an outpatient procedure,
only local anesthetic is used.

Patient Prep: No blood thinners or aspirin for 5 days.

Approximate length of exam: Highly dependent on the amount of fluid to be drained, but typically will take 1-2 hours.